The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria is an autonomous government body established to promote, protect, and enforce human rights in Nigeria. It operates under the mandate to investigate human rights violations, create awareness, and provide redress for victims of such violations.
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Key Functions and Objectives of the NHRC:
- Investigation and Redress: The NHRC investigates allegations of human rights abuses and provides remedies to victims. It has the authority to visit detention facilities, investigate complaints, and make recommendations to appropriate authorities.
- Education and Awareness: The Commission conducts public education campaigns to raise awareness about human rights issues. It organizes workshops, seminars, and training programs to educate the public, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders about human rights.
- Advisory Role: The NHRC advises the government on human rights issues and recommends policies and legislative measures to promote and protect human rights.
- Monitoring and Reporting: The Commission monitors compliance with international human rights treaties and agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory. It also prepares reports on the human rights situation in Nigeria.
- Collaboration and Advocacy: The NHRC collaborates with other human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally, to advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Structure and Organization:
The NHRC is structured to ensure effective fulfillment of its mandate. Key components include:
- Governing Council: The NHRC is governed by a council that provides strategic direction and oversight. The council typically includes representatives from various sectors, including legal experts, civil society, and government officials.
- Executive Secretary: The head of the Commission who oversees its daily operations and implements its policies and programs.
- Departments and Units: The NHRC is divided into various departments and units that focus on specific areas such as investigations, legal services, public affairs, research, and training.
Achievements and Contributions:
The NHRC has made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria. Some of its notable achievements include:
- Human Rights Investigations: Conducting thorough investigations into human rights violations, including cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, unlawful detentions, and discrimination.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Implementing nationwide campaigns to educate citizens about their rights and how to seek redress.
- Policy and Legislative Influence: Providing input and recommendations that have influenced human rights-related policies and legislation.
- Support to Victims: Offering legal assistance and support to victims of human rights abuses to ensure they receive justice.
Importance of the NHRC:
The National Human Rights Commission plays a vital role in Nigeria by:
- Protecting Rights: Providing a mechanism for individuals to report and seek redress for human rights violations.
- Promoting Justice: Advocating for the rule of law and accountability for human rights abuses.
- Educating Citizens: Enhancing public knowledge of human rights, contributing to a more informed and empowered citizenry.
- Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring that Nigeria adheres to its international human rights obligations.
Conclusion:
The National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria is an essential institution dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights. Through its investigative work, public education efforts, and advocacy, the NHRC strives to ensure that all individuals in Nigeria can enjoy their rights and freedoms. Despite facing challenges, the Commission’s efforts contribute significantly to the advancement of human rights and the strengthening of justice and democracy in Nigeria.
Contacts
- Head Office: No 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama PMB 444, Garki, Abuja – Nigeria
- Phone No: 08006472428 (Toll Free), 092903746, 092908829, 09032192577 07041678566, 07053529460
- Email: info@nhrc.gov.ng
National Human Rights Commission State Offices:
- No. 9, Item Street, Off Calabar Road, Umuahia, Abia State.
- 1st Floor, Office Number 175-175b Federal Secretariat Yola, Yola Road, Adamawa State.
- No. 160 Nwaniba Road Uyo.
- No. 3 Maduka Enemuo Street, Adjacent Peace Corps Building, Onitsha-Enugu Express Road, Awka South, Anambra State.
- No.1, Dukku Close, Off Gongola Street, New GRA, Bauchi, Bauchi State
- Ground Floor, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Federal Secretariat Complex, Ox-Bow Lake, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
- MDGs Office Complex, Kuanum Acka Street, Makurdi
- No. 4 Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State
- No.43 Mekenge Layout, Off Marian Road, Calabar.
- No. 10 Maryam Babangida Way, (Opp.SUBEB), Asaba, Delta.
- 61 Nnorom Street, (Old State Secretariat) Mile 50, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
- No. 185 (Pedrochi – House) Sapele Road, after Dumez Junction, Benin City, Edo State.
- Iyin Road, HMB Building, Basiri, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
- No. 3, Ezeagu Street, New Haven, Enugu, Enugu State.
- No.68, 69 & 70, Ground Floor 362, 363 & 364, 3rd Floor, Federal secretariat Complex, Gombe.
- No. 7, Musa Yar’Adua Drive, Off Onitsha Road, Owerri, Imo State
- Ibrahim Aliyu Bypass, Along Federal Universtiy, Opp. Awaji Global Service Filling Station, Dutse, Jigawa.
- Baron House, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
- Plot 313, Gyadi-Gyadi, New Hospital Road, Kano.
- No. 103, Nagogo Road, Near Old Nitel Office, GRA, Katsina, Katsina State
- Abubakar Musa Garkuwa Street, Gesse Phase 1 Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State.
- Olubayo Housing Estate, Ganaja Road, Lokoja, Kogi State
- No. 3 Old Jebba Road Along Sango, Ilorin, Kwara State
- No. 17 Balogun Street Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
- Behind Angel Academy, Off Alkali Street, Off Jos Road, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
- Abdullahi Kure House, Muazu Mohammed Road Minna, Niger State
- 4, Alani Opaleye Drive, Olorunsogo Apo Community, Pepsi, Abeokuta Ogun State.
- Road M, House No. 6 2nd Gate, Oba-Ile Housing Estate, Akure, Ondo State
- Block L Plot 33, Oroki Housing Estate, Oshogbo, Osun State
- Basement Floor, Federal Secretariat Complex, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State
- Plot 12677, Laminga/Liberty Dam Road, Rikkos Village, Jos, Plateau State
- No. 2 Temple Ejekwa Close, Port-Harcourt, RIvers State
- Investment House, Kano Road Sokoto, Sokoto State
- Magarmi Road, Jalingo, Taraba State.
- Federal Secretariat Complex, 1st Floor, Opposite YBC, Gashua Road, Damaturu, Yobe State.
- Zamfara Trade Centre, Sokoto Road, Gusau.
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